3 Best Restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia

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This is a city known for its food; many a trip to Atlanta is planned around meals in its barbecue shacks, upscale diners, and chic urban eateries. Traditional Southern fare—including Cajun and creole, country-style and plantation cuisine, coastal and mountain dishes—thrives, as do Asian fusion, traditional Ethiopian, creative vegan, and mouth-scorching Indian food. Catch the flavor of the South at breakfast and lunch in diners and other modest establishments that serve only these meals.

Many restaurants will accept you just as you are; dress codes are extremely rare in this casual city, except in the chicest of spots. Although many restaurants accept reservations, some popular spots operate on a first-come, first-served basis on weekends. Waits at some hot dining locales can exceed an hour, especially if you arrive after 7 pm.

Aria

$$$ | Buckhead

Chef Gerry Klaskala's talent is best captured by his love of rustic and hearty "slow foods"—braises, stews, roasts, and chops cooked over a roll-top French grill. Don't miss renowned pastry chef Kathryn King's mouthwatering dessert menu.

490 E. Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta, GA, 30305, USA
404-233–7673
Known For
  • Perfect desserts from renowned pastry chef
  • Slow-cooked classics
  • Reputation as a go-to spot for special occasions
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch
Reservations essential

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Bar Margot

$$$ | Midtown

This swanky hotel lounge features a seasonal menu made up of small plates meant to be shared, such as Georgia-sourced cheese and charcuterie, oysters of the moment, and more indulgent offerings like a 16-hour braised short rib. Sunday brunch—featuring dishes like an egg-white frittata, chocolate chip waffles, and mac and cheese with rock shrimp and jumbo lump crabmeat—is served at Park 75, the restaurant opposite Bar Margot, where celebrity sightings are common.

75 14th St., Atlanta, GA, 30309, USA
404-881–5913
Known For
  • Luxurious setting
  • Well-crafted cocktails
  • Upscale small plates

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Miller Union

$$$ | Midtown

The Southern-inflected menu here emphasizes locally sourced food. A highlight is the farm egg baked in celery cream with rustic bread; it's one of the best dishes in town. The rest of the menu is just as good, like the delicious grilled pork loin and seasonal vegetable plate.

999 Brady Ave. NW, Atlanta, GA, 30318, USA
678-733–8550
Known For
  • Southern classics, all with local ingredients
  • Sustainable, farm-friendly ethos
  • Homemade ice cream sandwiches
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun. No lunch weekdays

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